Three enterprising school pupils spent part of their summer holidays learning how an aquaculture business works, thanks to a collaboration between Scottish Sea Farms and SSERC, which co-ordinates the Research Placement Programme in Scotland.
The students, aged 16-17 and from schools in the Central Belt, applied to do two-week research placements on the scheme, formerly run by the Nuffield Foundation, and were matched with participating companies.
The aim of the programme is to encourage S5 pupils to gain STEM skills, addressing a shortage of science and technology experience among youngsters entering the workforce.
Scottish Sea Farms Talent Development Business Partner Irene Pozo said the company heard of the project through its involvement in the STEM ambassador programme.
Irene and HR colleagues Erin MacAulay and Laura Cameron devised two real-life research projects in the workplace – Using Data and Learning Science to Develop Skills in Aquaculture and Using Data to Understand how Companies Recruit and Develop Talent.
‘Esra, who was really keen to understand about aquaculture, spent a day here, at Barcaldine, in processing and then out on site at Shuna,’ said Irene. ‘The rest of the placement was structured online, with our team checking in regularly.’
Esra, who was mentored by Erin, said: ‘I enjoyed doing research on the aquaculture industry as I didn’t know that much about it beforehand. I was also glad to have an opportunity to develop my research and admin skills. My mentor Erin was very nice and extremely helpful.
‘I had a lot of fun visiting Oban and being led around the different locations. The hatchery was my favourite as it was really interesting, I got to see the salmon at different stages and learn about how everything there works.
‘Going to the sea site was very fun as well. I got shown how to drive the boat briefly and I liked seeing the salmon jump around. Everyone was so nice and it was great being able to ask lots of questions.’
Esra and the two other students, Hamza from Renfrew and Yau from Edinburgh, will complete their projects with a report or poster based on their findings. The research placements contribute to their STEM qualifications.
‘This initiative not only helps young people develop their STEM skills but introduces them to a sector that may be new to them, such as aquaculture,’ said Irene.
Aileen Hamilton from SSERC said: ‘We were delighted to welcome Scottish Sea Farms to the Research Placement Programme this year.
‘Their commitment to STEM engagement and outreach has been amazing over the last few years and providing three research placements over the summer has enabled these young people to have an in-depth project to build their skills, confidence and knowledge in the aquaculture industry.’